Now in its 33rd year, Filmfest DC celebrates over three decades in which we have presented thousands of new films to residents and visitors to our nation's capital in an 11-day festival comprised of 70-80 new and significant international films.
The festival's audience of over 16,000 people is widely diverse, curious and knowledgeable. Filmfest DC delivers provocative and entertaining stories from around the globe to our own DC neighborhoods.
As the largest and longest-running annual film festival in Washington, DC, Filmfest DC has established itself as one of the city's major cultural activities.

Awards & Prizes

1. Circle Award - juried competition of selected feature films that deserve increased recognition.
2. First Feature Award - juried competition of selected feature films that are the first by their director.
3. CrossCurrents Foundation Justice Matters Award - an international juried competition of feature length films which expand our awareness and understanding of social justice issues around the globe, and people who are doing something about them.
4. Filmfest DC Shorts Award - a juried award which tends towards recognizing less well known filmmakers and those whose work illustrates a balance of economy and emotional resonance. Shorts in all genres are eligible, DC area premiere is preferred.
5. Signis Award - the jury presents this award to the film deemed to best illuminate and celebrate what it means to be human in a diverse and challenging world.
6. Filmfest DC Awards to feature narrative and documentary films determined by audience ballot.

Rules & Terms

-Filmfest DC prefers to have the Washington, DC area premiere of films selected for the festival and gives priority to such films.
-Submissions must have been completed after January 1, 2018.
-All films must be presented in English or with English subtitles.
-Works in progress that are not final cuts may be submitted but clearly note what is missing or will change.
-More than one entry may be submitted; however an official entry and entry fee must accompany each submission.
-Please submit social justice feature length films through the Justice Matters category. ONLY feature length (50+ min) films are considered in this category.
-Feature films must not be available online as a DVD or digital download/link for purchase.
-Feature films also must not have been broadcast on television in the United States or screened theatrically in the United States prior to May 5, 2019.

July 27, 2018
Opening Date

September 7, 2018
Early Deadline

November 26, 2018
Regular Deadline

January 7, 2019
Late Deadline

April 11, 2019
Notification Date

April 25 – May 5, 2019
Event Date

Categories & Fees

FILMFEST DC FEATURES & DOCS (EXCEPT Justice Matters films)

Filmfest DC is international in scope, and has become a prominent venue for recognized filmmakers to show their work and for the expressions of new voices to be appreciated. All feature length narrative and non-fiction works of all genres from around the globe not applicable for the Justice Matters section should be submitted in this category.
*Questions: submissions@filmfestdc.org

The Justice Matters section is a juried competitive section of compelling new narrative and documentary feature films from around the globe that expand awareness, contribute to understanding and empower action about important social justice issues in these times.
There is a cash prize, additional publicity and outreach for selected films, filmmakers are invited and we work with the filmmakers/distributors on connecting with relevant constituencies.
*Questions: jms@filmfestdc.org.

Short works from around the globe in all genres.
Includes entries for METROSHORTS program: Short films by filmmakers whose primary residence is in Washington DC, Northern Virginia and the Maryland metro-DC area. Please be sure to include your connection to the area at the beginning of your entry. *Metroshorts Discount queries: jms@filmfestdc.org